What is the chemical formula for photosynthesis?

The process of photosynthesis can be represented with the chemical formula that captures the essential inputs and outputs involved in this vital biological process. The correct formula illustrates how carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, are converted into glucose and oxygen.

Specifically, the equation indicates that six molecules of carbon dioxide (6 CO2) and six molecules of water (6 H2O) combine, utilizing light energy, to produce one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) and six molecules of oxygen (6 O2). This reflects the transformation of inorganic substances into an organic molecule, which is crucial for the energy storage in plants and the subsequent release of oxygen, contributing to life on Earth.

The representation captures not only the reactants and products but also the necessary energy source (light), emphasizing the process's requirement for energy input to drive the conversion. Such detailing is critical in understanding the photosynthesis mechanism, its role in the food web, and energy flow through ecosystems.